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NZ Rugby congratulates Tony Woodcock on 100 All Black Tests cap

All Blacks loose-head prop Tony Woodcock has marked his 100th All Blacks Test cap in front of a sell-out Bledisloe Cup crowd at Wellington's Westpac Stadium on Saturday night.

Since his debut against Wales at Cardiff in 2002, Woodcock has been one of the game’s toughest toilers at the top level. His durability and consistently high standard as one of the world’s best loose-head props has seen him described as one of rugby’s quiet achievers.

At 32, Woodcock now joins a small group of All Blacks to mark the rare milestone - his Rugby World Cup 2011 champion teammates captain Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina and Keven Mealamu.

New Zealand Rugby Chairman Mike Eagle congratulated Woodcock on joining an exclusive club of exceptional All Blacks.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Woody, and we are delighted that he marks this occasion at a home game for the All Blacks.

“Woody is one of those All Blacks who shuns the limelight, and gets on with his job. He is an incredibly hard-working individual who has demonstrated loyalty, determination and a strong work ethic through his performances on the field.

“We congratulate him and thank him for his tireless commitment to New Zealand and All Blacks rugby,” Mr Eagle said.

Woodcock was gifted a special silver cap, presented to him by captain Richie McCaw after they beat Australia 27 - 16 in tonight's successful bid to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

The former Kaipara College student is regarded as one of the stalwarts for his province North Harbour, and he was part of North Harbour’s greatest victory when they took the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury in 2006. He racked up over 100 matches with the Blues before he switched to the Highlanders in 2013.

Woodcock scooped up last year’s North Harbour Stadium Sportsman of the Year award and the Massey University Sporting Excellence Overall Supreme Award.